Secret menu items are often associated with fast food chains, but many fine dining restaurants also offer them to generate intrigue and act as a creative outlet for chefs.

These hidden dishes are often left off the menu because they're complicated or require seasonal foods, requiring an advance notice of a few days or several weeks.

On the other hand, if you want an off-menu dish made with regularly used ingredients, you might be able to order it on a whim.

For instance, regulars, friends, and family often have insider knowledge of secret recipes that can be prepared immediately. All you need to do is ask a server.

However, you'll need to be flexible when ordering off-menu items since the dishes might change depending on what ingredients are available on the day of your request.

You can find out about a restaurant's secret menu via its social media posts (which is done to drum up interest) or you can simply ask your server what the restaurant offers.